Vehicle Seat Hinge Assembly with Dual Locking Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Motor vehicle seats with tilting backrests lack a reliable mechanism to lock the backrest in a forward tilted position, limiting user access and convenience.

Innovation Solution

A hinge assembly with integrated first and second locking mechanisms, where the second lock immobilizes the first frame in a forward tilted position, and both locks are controlled by a single hinge assembly, allowing independent locking of the backrest without modifying existing seat elements or control cables.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a hinge assembly with forward tilting capability is added to a vehicle seat, then user access and convenience are improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for additional locking mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser access and convenienceVSAvoidlocking mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two locking mechanisms (first lock for usage position, second lock for forward tilted position) into a single integrated hinge assembly. The control devices of both locks are integrated into the same structural unit, allowing the complex locking functionality to be merged into one replaceable module rather than requiring separate distributed mechanisms throughout the seat structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge assembly is designed as a multi-functional unit that provides both the hinge function for forward tilting and dual locking functions (usage position and forward tilted position) within a single assembly. This universal design allows the same component to perform multiple functions, reducing the need for additional separate mechanisms and simplifying the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a second locking mechanism is integrated into the existing hinge assembly, then the backrest can be locked in forward tilted position, but the manufacturing cost increases due to additional components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking reliability in tilted positionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating the second locking mechanism into the existing hinge assembly structure, the patent eliminates the need for separate manufacturing and assembly processes for a standalone second lock. The merged design allows both locking mechanisms to be produced as one unit, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining the reliability of locking in the forward tilted position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge assembly is designed as a universal component that can serve multiple locking purposes. This multi-functionality allows the same manufactured part to provide both usage position locking and forward tilted position locking, eliminating the need to manufacture and install separate dedicated locking mechanisms for each function, thereby reducing overall manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of repair

If the locking mechanisms are integrated into a single hinge assembly, then installation is simplified and existing seat elements can remain unchanged, but the hinge assembly design becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidhinge assembly design complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the first and second locking mechanisms into a single integrated hinge assembly, creating a modular unit that can be installed as one replacement component. This integration simplifies installation because the entire locking system is contained within one assembly that attaches to the existing seat structure without requiring modifications to other seat elements, even though the internal design of the hinge assembly itself is more complex.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Device complexity

If a single control device is used to control both locks, then the control system is simplified, but the control mechanism becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol system complexityVSAvoidcontrol mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the control devices of both locking mechanisms into a single integrated control unit within the hinge assembly. This merging simplifies the overall control system architecture by eliminating the need for separate control mechanisms distributed throughout the seat, even though the internal design of the control unit itself handles the complexity of coordinating both locks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9199556B2Hinge assembly for vehicle seat and vehicle seat comprising such a hinge assembly

Publication Date: 2015.12.01 FAURECIA SIEGES D AUTOMOBILE SA

AI summary

A hinge assembly for vehicle seat, comprising first, second, and third frames assembled to pivot, a hinge mechanism for adjusting an angular usage position of the first frame relative to the third frame, a first lock to immobilize the first frame relative to the third frame in said usage position, and a first control device for releasing the first lock is disclosed. It also comprises a second lock to immobilize the first frame relative to the second frame in a tilted position, a stop to immobilize the first frame in the tilted position, and a second control device for releasing the second lock.